ModelsForManagers

As mentioned in the PreparingForManagementRole discussion, I'm going to be giving a presentation on Models for New Managers. This is NOT going to be at a "different kind of conference", but I'll probably work something different in.<g>

The audience will be engineering types who are used to using models. So after a brief review of model usefulness and not, I'm planning to talk about personality models (MBTI, HBDI, learning styles), leadership models (linear and organic), and the Satir Interaction and Change models.

Are there other categories of models I should consider? How about other models in the categories?

DonGray 030302

Interesting. With MBTI etc, you've got a lot on your plate.

I like to model monoculture "group think" vs. diversity of strengths & viewpoints. Seeing that the "Emperor's New Clothes" look skimpy when others think him beautifully dressed. You can build there from reviews and debugging benefitting from differing views.

Another favorite model is meeting effectiveness - the time wasted multiplies for "status" meetings as opposed to working meetings.

Perhaps a third model to expose: influence vs. control. Projects rarely have the authority to dictate to all affected, but influence can get you there. It also earns friends rather than enemies.

Are you going to include the project controller models (ControllerModels) material? BobLee 03/03/02

You might want to speak about management models of what is an effective intervention when things go wrong. There's The First Law of Bad Management: "When what you're doing isn't working, do more of it."

Then there's the Second Law, which Tom deMarco discusses in his book, Slack, a must-read for a talk on management models. - JerryWeinberg 03/03/02

Most excellent points Bob. As you might guess, I'm not going into alot of depth. My point is to let them know there are models out there covering the new area they're getting into. In my case, I wasn't aware/didn't know this information until I stumbled over (ran into?) Jerry in the CASEFORUM. The attendees will most likely be familiar with the controller models, since I took them from the process automation domain, and it's to this group the presentation will be made. I'm going to think about the control vs influence. Having been an "outside resource" my entire career, I'm use to the influence end of the business. My view is that managing is influencing. Direct linkages with employees tend to be prohibited by law.<g>

I've read Slack once. It's getting alot of press on the Wiki so perhaps it's time to re-read it. - DonGray 030402

Updated: Monday, March 4, 2002